King’s Day (Koningsdag) is the day on which Dutch people celebrate King Willem-Alexander’s birthday (April 27) and it’s a very, very big deal. People flock to the streets and canals in their thousands, all dressed in orange to represent the House of Nassau. And of course, to eat, drink and be merry! Because this year the date falls on a Sunday, the celebrations will take place on Saturday, April 26 instead of the usual 27th.
There are plenty of things to do on King’s Day. At every turn there’s bound to be a street party, a parade or a bar packed with a lively crowd. There’s also live music, pop-up markets and many other activities all around town. You can just walk out into central Amsterdam and hop from place to place very easily. Let’s go!
During the day
You’ll find stages with speakers and performers throughout the city, at Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, Westerstraat in Jordaan, Nieuwmarkt, Marie Heinekenplein and plenty of other locations. They’re completely free to attend and there will be bars on site (although they’re bound to be a bit pricey).
There will be stages for live music in Jordaan and the lineup is one of the best, making it a really popular spot on King’s Day. There will also be live music and street parties in Amstelveld, Westerpark or Nieuwmarkt. You might even have to wait to be let in if there are too many people in attendance. (Let us remind ourselves that an estimated 700,000 people visit the city that day!) So, get there early if you want to beat the crowds! Plus, you can enjoy the markets, as markets are a big thing on Koningsdag.
Celebrations incorporate all of Amsterdam and because the centre can get so busy, there are plenty of activities and celebrations in the outskirts, too. For example, you can head to Loveland at Meerpark or Cartel Kingsdat ar Westerunie.
If you have children at King’s Day
Most children love to dress up and King’s Day is THE perfect day to indulge in orange items! Glasses, wigs, printed t-shirts, just let your imagination take over. And don’t worry, there are plenty of family-friendly activities, too! For example, did you know that free markets were initially meant for children? Our family-friendly favorites for this Saturday are:
Vondelpark: It’s a very popular children’s free market, and there, you will find vendors selling toys and homemade treats. Your little ones will also be amazed by a variety of performances!
NDSM-werf: This is Amsterdam’s largest children’s free market and you’ll be able to enjoy musical performances and different workshops as a family. It is a very dynamic place full of art and second-art market finds.
In any case, you will have a blast! Be it with your friends, family or even by yourself, the city will be packed with people in the streets, on boats, singing, dancing and having a great time.
Join the fun and have a great King’s Day!